Industries push back on Australia's Working Holiday visa changes

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 05:54 · Archive

Australian agriculture, aged care, tourism and hospitality sectors are meeting government officials to discuss concerns over Labor's planned Working Holiday visa restrictions.

Several key Australian industries reliant on backpackers will sit down with government officials in Canberra on Tuesday to discuss concerns over Labor's planned migration cuts. The roundtable consultation will examine the impact of changes to Working Holiday Visa holders on sectors including agriculture, aged care, tourism and hospitality, particularly in regional areas.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced the migration overhaul in September, which includes a US-style 'green card lottery' for backpackers and forms part of broader measures aimed at driving down net overseas arrivals by 75,000 a year. Under the plan, the Working Holiday Maker program will introduce a ballot system in the second and third year, though backpackers will continue to face regional work requirements to support communities outside cities.

Industry groups have described Tuesday's meeting as a 'good start' and expressed hope for 'good outcomes' ahead of their peak operational periods. Several sectors have previously claimed the processing freeze and lottery system could undermine workforce planning, with farmers particularly concerned it could leave them short of staff during harvesting season. The changes come amid a broader policy debate with the Coalition and One Nation, with Opposition leader Angus Taylor arguing Australia needs fewer arrivals, a higher number of skilled workers and tougher immigration standards.

How it is being reported

• Working Holiday maker roundtable to be held in Canberra as key sectors sound the alarm ahead of busy seasonSeveral key Australian industries which rely heavily on backpackers will sit down with government officials in Canberra this week to discuss concerns over Labor’s planned migration cuts.Perth Now · 12 Oct, 04:16
• Working Holiday maker roundtable to be held in Canberra as key sectors sound the alarm ahead of busy seasonSeveral key Australian industries which rely heavily on backpackers will sit down with government officials in Canberra this week to discuss concerns over Labor’s planned migration cuts.The West Australian · 12 Oct, 04:16

In this story: Tony Burke · Angus Taylor · Australia · Department of Home Affairs · Canberra

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